Tag Archives: North East

Indian tourism sees unprecedented growth in past decade; record arrivals in NE: Murmu

In a significant address to the Joint Sitting of the Two Houses of Parliament, President of India, Droupadi Murmu, emphasised the growing global interest in heritage tourism in India. The President highlighted key achievements and initiatives taken by the Government of India over the past decade to boost the tourism sector, pilgrimage destinations, and historical sites across the nation.

Murmu noted that tourism, a major employment provider, has witnessed unprecedented growth in the last 10 years. Both domestic and foreign tourist numbers have surged, attributing the increase to India’s rising global stature. She credited improved connectivity, the construction of airports, and the country’s expanding recognition for this positive trend.

The President highlighted the North East as a region experiencing record-breaking tourist arrivals, with heightened excitement surrounding the Andaman-Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands. She emphasised the government’s focus on developing pilgrimage destinations and historical sites, making pilgrimage in India more accessible. The world’s growing interest in heritage tourism was underscored, with notable statistics of visitor influx to renowned sites like Kashi, Mahakaal, Kedar Dham, and Ayodhya Dham during the last year.

She outlined the unprecedented expansion of facilities at pilgrimage sites across India, spanning all regions. She expressed the government’s intention to position India as a leading destination for meetings and exhibitions, citing the creation of facilities like Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi. The President concluded with the prediction that tourism would become a major source of employment in the near future.

Malaysia Airlines eyes code-share with Indian carrier; to expand network in North East & South India

In a bid to strengthen its foothold in the lucrative Indian aviation market, Malaysia Airlines is set to enter into a code-share partnership with an Indian carrier. Captain Izham Ismail, the Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group, expressed the airline’s enthusiasm for participating in India’s success story.

Currently operating 69 weekly flights to nine Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, Malaysia Airlines is eyeing further expansion in both the North East and South India. The airline recently increased its weekly flights on the Amritsar-Kuala Lumpur route and is actively engaged in negotiations for a comprehensive codeshare agreement with an undisclosed Indian airline.

The forthcoming collaboration aims to enhance connectivity and provide seamless travel experiences for passengers. The airline, having successfully undergone financial restructuring, is now on a path to revival and growth.

Captain Ismail shared insights into the airline’s future plans, indicating a keen interest in North East destinations like Guwahati and Kolkata, along with potential flights to Trichy, Visakhapatnam, and Goa in South India. The expansion will be facilitated by the introduction of new Boeing 737-8s and Airbus 330 neos to the airline’s existing fleet of 100 planes, with projections to reach 170 by 2030.

Acknowledging the rapid growth of India’s aviation market, Captain Ismail emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships in the face of competition from domestic carriers like IndiGo and Air India. Malaysia Airlines has a history of successful partnerships with airlines such as Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Qatar Airways.

The overarching goal for Malaysia Airlines is to be among the top 10 global airlines and the top 5 in the Asia Pacific region. Captain Ismail emphasized the airline’s commitment to providing an enhanced Customer Value Proposition (CVP), focusing on upgrading services, cabin comfort, and in-flight dining to cater to India’s diverse population.

With India’s annual domestic air passenger traffic projected to double to around 300 million by 2030, Malaysia Airlines is positioning itself to tap into the immense potential of this dynamic market. The strategic moves underscore the airline’s ambition to play a significant role in shaping the future of air travel in the region.

 

58 airports covered under Krishi Udan Scheme: MoS Civil Aviation

The Krishi Udan Scheme was launched in August 2020 on international and national routes to assist farmers in transporting agricultural products to help improve their value realisation.

Krishi Udan Scheme 2.0 was announced on October 27, 2021 mainly focusing on transporting perishable food products from the hilly areas, North Eastern States and tribal areas. The scheme primarily covers 25 airports focusing on North Eastern, Hilly and Tribal region besides 33 airports in other regions/areas. This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Gen. (Dr) V. K. Singh (Retd) in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha yesterday.

Krishi Udan Scheme is a convergence scheme where eight Ministries/Departments namely Ministry of Civil Aviation, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region would leverage their existing schemes to strengthen the logistics for transportation of Agri-produce.

In order to facilitate and incentivise movement of agri-produce by air transportation, waiver of Landing charges, Parking charges, etc. are provided under the scheme for Indian freighters by Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Ministry of Defence at selected airports under the Scheme.

 

‘Our primary focus lies in hosting weddings and MICE events’

With focus on Tea Tourism, MAYFAIR Tea Resort Siliguri welcomes leisure and wedding guests alike. Sunil Panda, Resort Manager, MAYFAIR Tea Resort, Siliguri spoke to Disha Shah Ghosh about their accommodation options, F&B offerings and meetings space.

Q. How old is your property? Tell us about its accommodation and F&B facilities.
Year 2020 witnessed the grand inauguration of MAYFAIR Tea Resort, a beacon of luxury nestled amidst the lush tea gardens of Siliguri. The resort proudly wears the crown of India’s First Tea Tourism Resort. Its heritage charm beckons travellers with 154 well-appointed rooms spanning nine unique categories. Among the myriad offerings are five delectable restaurants, eight spacious banquet halls, a rejuvenating wellness center, a sparkling swimming pool, a cozy movie theatre, and a plethora of modern amenities. It is a retreat that promises an unparalleled experience for both leisure and business travellers.

Accommodation
At MAYFAIR Tea Resort, we invite you to explore a variety of accommodations that cater to different preferences. The Jungle View Rooms offer serene vistas of Tea Gardens and the Sukna Forest, while the Mountain View Rooms in the attic provide a panoramic backdrop of Tea Gardens against lush forests.

For those seeking classic charm with modern comfort, the Heritage Rooms evoke the nostalgia of the “Raj Era.” The Sukna Suites pay tribute to the charming town of Sukna, offering well-appointed bedrooms and luxurious living areas. From the Manager’s Suites to the Colonial Suites, each accommodation promises a unique and memorable stay amidst Siliguri’s enchanting landscapes.

F&B facilities
MAYFAIR Tea Resort introduces a gastronomic voyage with five distinct dining options. The Tea Pot, a central hub, serves an array of global cuisines through lavish buffets and live cooking. For a unique alfresco experience, Bayleaf is cocooned within the New Chumta Tea Garden, where mouthwatering dishes await amid the fragrance of bay leaf trees. The Vintage Bar exudes an air of sophistication, while the Planter’s Club is a tea lover’s paradise. By the poolside, the Pool Bar boasts premium spirits and finger foods. These dining destinations promise more than just meals; they promise memorable experiences during your stay.

Q. Which segment of travelers are your key areas of focus?
Our primary focus lies in hosting weddings and MICE events, a distinction that sets us apart. We also extend a warm welcome to leisure tourists and weekenders from the scenic surroundings of Siliguri.

Q. What is your outreach strategy for the travel trade and consumers pan India?
Our reach extends across India through our network of hotels, sales offices, and GSA’s. However, our engagement goes beyond mere presence. We leverage the power of social media, where we share the essence of our hospitality and experiences. But what truly sets us apart is the impactful word-of-mouth recommendations from our delighted guests and groups who have immersed themselves in the world of Mayfair. Their authentic testimonials speak volumes about our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences, making us a trusted choice for travelers across the nation.

Q. The North East has become an aspirational destination for travellers due to its sheer natural beauty. What does Mayfair Siliguri bring to the hospitality industry of West Bengal?
Mayfair Tea Resort offers more than a typical stay; it’s an enriching experience celebrating the sheer natural beauty of the North East. As the region becomes an aspirational destination, we take pride in promoting tea tourism, allowing our guests to not just observe but be a part of the tea culture. With daily in-house tea tasting sessions, enlightening screenings of the Tea Story movie, and even the chance to pluck tea leaves, we provide a unique journey into the history and flavors of tea. Mayfair Siliguri isn’t just a destination; it’s an opportunity to connect with the beauty and heritage of the North East in an unforgettable way.

Q. Which are the major ancillary revenue streams that you have witnessed significantly contributing to your balance sheet?
Our revenue landscape extends beyond traditional accommodations and dining. Notably, weddings, MICE events, and spa services have become significant contributors to our financial health. These diversified income streams strengthen our balance sheet while enriching the guest experience.

Q. What are your biggest challenges? How do you plan to overcome them?
Our path is marked by distinctive challenges, primarily driven by the seasonal dynamics of this region, closely tied to the ebb and flow of hill station tourists. Despite this, we’ve skillfully transformed Mayfair Tea Resort into a versatile destination, catering not only to transit travellers but also establishing a reputation as a wedding and leisure hotspot. The promotion of tea tourism has been instrumental in addressing these challenges. In the face of adversity, we’ve found inventive solutions, ensuring our guests enjoy a year-round, fulfilling experience.

Thomas Cook & SOTC launch range of Vegetarian & Jain Tours during Diwali for Gujarati travellers

Cuisine plays a critical role while planning a holiday for Indians – especially vegetarians. Data from Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its group company, SOTC Travel, indicate that travellers from India’s West Region – specially Gujarat and Maharashtra are displaying an increased travel appetite for the upcoming Diwali festive season, and this has resulted in a strong uptick in demand of 90% YoY.

To leverage on this growing opportunity in India’s vegetarian segment, Thomas Cook and SOTC have launched exclusive Vegetarian and Jain Tours that combine the best of cuisine and cultural experiences to a range of favourite locales, for customers in Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Thomas Cook and SOTC’s exclusive Vegetarian and Jain Tours offer customers a diverse range of India and International locales to choose from, with departures from Ahmedabad and Mumbai. The portfolio features air-inclusive, land-only and customisable holidays to target India’s high potential segments including multigenerational families, owing to schools closing for mid-term break; also honeymooners/couples/DINKs, millennials/young professionals, Gen Z, seniors/Gen S, etc.

The Companies’ special Vegetarian and Jain Tours portfolio features a range of handpicked favourite destinations like Europe’s Switzerland, Paris, Italy and Vatican City; Turkiye, South Africa, Australia and Egypt. In Asia, easy-visa destinations like Singapore, Singapore + cruise, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam are on offer. Domestic locales feature Kashmir, Himachal, Andamans, Kerala, North East; also Bhutan – known to be the happiest and the greenest country in the world and Sri Lanka in the Indian subcontinent. What is noteworthy is that all group tours will be escorted by expert Gujarati -speaking tour managers, and international tours will also be accompanied by a special chef.

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “The Gujarati community loves to travel with family and loved ones, and are known to take the festival where they go. With schools closing for mid-term breaks, our data indicates that Gujaratis across customer segments, especially families, are increasingly looking to travel during Diwali. Vegetarian food especially during travel is critical for Gujarati customers; this was the genesis of our Vegetarian and Jain Tours. These special tours with handpicked locales have been crafted to delight our customers. Our team of travel experts have meticulously planned and curated experiences to make them memorable for all segments. Additionally, we are also offering our customers with free hotel upgrades, also fun activities like a gala dinner and garba nights.”

Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head – Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, “We understand the quintessential Indian traveller better than anyone else, and our years of expertise has helped us design this strong portfolio of Vegetarian and Jain Tours to cater to India’s vegetarians. Indians love their food, especially Gujaratis and finding vegetarian and Jain meals while travelling may be a challenge – especially outside the country. To cater to the unique food preferences of our Gujarati customers, our exclusive Vegetarian and Jain Tours offer customers with sumptuous meals on-tour, this includes the best of local specialities in India, and international departures are accompanied by an expert chef. To ensure added comfort and reassurance, all our tours are escorted by our expert Gujarati speaking tour managers to make it a truly memorable holiday.”

 

‘The pandemic led to a remarkable increase in awareness about the North East’

The North East region of India has emerged as a must-do travel destination in the past couple of years, especially with a range of adventure activities available. Amit Periwal, Director, Clubside Tours and Travels Pvt Ltd and Chapter Chairman, East India, ATOAI, spoke to Disha Shah Ghosh about their offerings for the region, challenges and the expansion of their geographical footprint.

Q. The awareness about the tourism opportunities in the North East is still not very profound. Tell us about some of your offerings for travel in this region.
In the past, the North East has remained a secluded and hidden gem in the tourism circuit. However, the pandemic brought a silver lining as it encouraged people to explore their own country when international travel was restricted. This period led to a remarkable increase in awareness about the North East.

Our programmes cater to diverse interests, including cultural explorations, tribal tours, spiritual journeys, wildlife, adventurous treks, and delightful culinary tours. Each state in the North East boasts its own distinct festivals, and our immersive festival programmes ensure guests can revel in the region’s vibrant celebrations. Whether it’s immersing in cultural traditions, connecting with indigenous tribes, seeking spiritual solace, or relishing the rich biodiversity, our tours offer something unforgettable for every traveller.

The adventure travel segment in India is still a small pie of the ocean. Which are some of your top selling products in that space?
Adventure Travel is the fastest growing segment in India. Everyone now wants some element of experience which becomes a take away and something they can remember forever.

Achievement of having done something which has an element of risk is always very satisfying. The East and North East gives us the opportunity to cater to a bouquet of adventure activities from soft adventure like hiking, to medium and high altitude trekking, overnight camping experiences, wildlife and now with our operations in Andamans we are also catering to all water adventure activities as well.

Q. You have offices in offices in Kolkata, Darjeeling, Siliguri, Guwahati and recently opened one in Port Blair. Tell us about the importance of these locations for your business.
These locations are the main entry and exit points for East and North East. The international airports in East India are in Kolkata, Bagdogra and Guwahati and recently in Port Blair also the new terminal building of the international airport has been inaugurated. For us to ensure the quality of service delivery, these locations become very important strategically. We operate in a lot of remote areas with limited infrastructure, it’s always very important to ensure that the tourists are well informed, and know what to expect when they visit the secluded locations and being present in the entry points gives us the opportunity to set the expectations well for the rest of the tour.

How complex is organising a customised adventure tour, in India, and overseas, especially since it’s a niche segment?
Organising a customized adventure tour, whether in India or overseas, is a complex endeavour. It requires attention to safety protocols, in-depth product knowledge, and effective client expectation setting. Mitigating risks and having well-defined evacuation plans are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of participants. Dealing with limited infrastructure and connectivity in remote areas demands careful planning and coordination. Building strong local partnerships with experienced guides is vital for a seamless and exceptional adventure journey. Despite the challenges, the rewarding outcome of providing clients with unforgettable experiences and personal growth opportunities makes it all worthwhile.

Q. What initiatives are being taken by ATOAI East Chapter?
We have conducted a First Aid, Survival, Rescue and CPR training at HMI in Darjeeling in January. This was initialised by ATOAI East Chapter with support from India Tourism Kolkata Office. Grp Cap Jai Kishan (Principal HMI) was very supportive and agreed to conduct the course at HMI with professional trainers. We are also planning to conduct a refresher course for the participants in the next few months.

The G20 Tourism meet on adventure was also held in Siliguri and Darjeeling. This was a great opportunity for us to showcase our region and the potential of adventure tourism in the country to government officials, adventure tour operators, travel bloggers and adventure enthusiasts.

We also have another Certification course for Adventure First Aid, CPR and Wilderness Responder to be conducted in Siliguri in January along with a seminar and a buyer – seller meet exclusively for adventure in the region so we will start planning on that soon.